Reports: Ukraine may receive SAMP/T systems, talks on Patriot deliveries also continue
Countries holding Patriot air defense systems are discussing ways to quickly transfer them to Ukraine before winter, while France and Italy are preparing to hand over SAMP/T systems and Aster missiles. No exact timeline has been announced yet.
Sources at the Élysée Palace told the Ukrinform news agency that countries which produce or have already acquired Patriot air defense systems are weighing several options for delivering them to Ukraine more quickly ahead of winter. According to these sources, the question of additional Patriot deliveries is currently under active discussion, though no final decisions have been made.
Zelensky pushing for stronger air defense
Sources say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been the most vocal in urging stronger air defense capabilities for his country. This push comes as Russia shifts its tactics and the types of weapons used in strikes against Ukraine. However, sources stress that Patriot systems alone will not be enough for Kyiv — a broader range of air and missile defense equipment is needed.
France and Italy preparing SAMP/T systems
For this reason, France, together with Italy, is preparing to transfer SAMP/T air defense systems along with Aster missiles to Ukraine. No specific delivery dates have been announced so far.
Background
The report follows an extraordinary meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council at the level of permanent representatives on September 7, during which the Ukrainian side submitted a list of priority and urgent air and missile defense needs, calling on allies to speed up efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.
